Project Number: 1245-32000-090-05
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2010
End Date: Sep 30, 2015

Objective:
The project will continue ongoing ARS support of the AMS export certification program for pork and horsemeat. The ARS laboratory provides training to technical personnel in European Union approved methods for trichinae inspection and conducts a check sample system for continuous quality control of approved testing laboratories.

Approach:
Technical personnel from pork and horsemeat exporting companies visit the ARS location for intensive hands-on training for methods approved by the EU and Russia for testing for Trichinella. Trained analysts receive quality control samples on a quarterly basis to assure the quality of the testing system. Results of the quality control testing are provided in the form of reports to the AMS. The ARS lab addresses questions raised by trading partners regarding the export certification program.